Kobie Dee and Stan Walker’s ‘Father’s Eyes’ is a powerful fusion of storytelling and culture.
Gomeroi rapper and skilled storyteller, 26-year-old Kobie Dee, has once again showcased his talent for a hella good collab with Māori artist and five-time ARIA Award nominee, Stan Walker.
Their latest release, ‘Father’s Eyes’, distributed by Bad Apples Music/Island Records Australia, melds classic hip-hop elements with poignant storytelling, delving into themes of generational change and dismantling systemic barriers to fostering strong families.
If you are familiar with Kobie Dee’s work, and I hope you are, you’ll know that these themes have always been important to the artist, and we love him for it.
Kobie, drawing from his own experiences, provides a candid and emotionally resonant core to the track, offering a profound reflection on the essence of fatherhood as he perceives it.
Stan, a distinguished artist of Tūhoe, Ngāi Te Rangi, and Ngāti Porou lineage, contributes a resonant hook with his soulful vocals, infusing each note with his unique narrative.
The accompanying music video, helmed by Director Kieran Satour of GARUWA, with cinematography by Andrew Amanaki from Amanaki Studios, presents a compelling visual narrative.
Filmed on unceded Bidjigal Land, it commences with Kobie and Stan sharing their cultural heritage and aspirations for the future. The video beautifully portrays fathers from Māori and Aboriginal communities coming together, celebrating shared experiences and bonds, challenging prevailing stereotypes of black fatherhood with honest, strong, and proud visuals.
Kieran, a man of Gurindji, Pertame Arrernte, and Worimi descent, emphasises the significance of the project, aiming to not only complement the song’s profound lyrics but also challenge prevailing perceptions of black fatherhood through authentic and proud imagery.
Kobie and Stan’s commitment to cultural authenticity shines throughout the project. Kobie underscores the importance of representation, praising Kieran’s guidance in ensuring their Aboriginal and Māori cultures are portrayed with respect and beauty. Stan echoes the sentiment, describing the video shoot as a one-of-a-kind experience.
Check out the live stream premiere below:
‘Father’s Eyes’ marks Kobie’s first solo release since 2022’s ‘Basics’, following the success of his debut EP, ‘Gratitude Over Pity’, which received an AIR Awards nomination. Over the years, Kobie’s star has continued to rise, earning him nominations and awards, along with a dedicated online following. His recent live performances at notable events like VIVID LIVE, SXSW SYDNEY, LISTEN OUT, and BIGSOUND 2023 have further solidified his place in the music scene.
With a promotional tour alongside Stan Walker in New Zealand on the horizon, Kobie Dee’s journey as an artist and advocate continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of music and culture.
